Jammu and Kashmir's Sports Council Secretary Nuzhat Gull on 28 June expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the central government approved the establishment of the Union Territory's first-ever National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) for sports. The landmark sanction is expected to give J&K's growing sporting ecosystem a structured, professional foundation it has long lacked.

What the NCOE Means for J&K

'We are highly thankful to PM Narendra Modi for sanctioning the first-ever NCOE for Jammu and Kashmir, which will greatly contribute to professional sports across J&K,' Nuzhat Gull said. The centre is designed to bring scientific training methods, professional coaching, and international exposure under one institutional roof — moving the territory beyond ad hoc development into a structured high-performance pathway.

'Our vision is to make Jammu & Kashmir a leading sporting Union Territory not just in winter sports, but across disciplines. We want structured grassroots programmes, professional coaching, scientific training methods and international exposure,' she added.

A Record of Sporting Growth Under Nuzhat's Leadership

Since taking charge as secretary of the J&K Sports Council in 2021, Nuzhat Gull — the first woman to lead the Council — has overseen a significant expansion of the territory's sporting footprint. Training programmes were extended into districts and rural areas, ensuring children from remote regions received structured coaching rather than opportunities being concentrated only among elite athletes.

Infrastructure was revitalised across the UT, with stadiums, indoor halls, Khelo India coaching centres, and playing fields made more accessible. Sports facilities were opened for community use, including extended evening hours so students and working youth could train regularly.

J&K Athletes Rising on National and International Stages

The results have been tangible. Athletes from Jammu and Kashmir have secured medals at national and international competitions across disciplines including winter sports, football, martial arts, athletics, cricket, boxing, wrestling, fencing, Taekwondo, and judo. The territory has also emerged as a credible host for prestigious events, most notably the Khelo India Winter Games in Gulmarg, which showcased its capacity to organise world-class competitions.

National football camps and numerous national and international championships across disciplines have been hosted under the Council's tenure, raising J&K's profile as a sporting destination.

Sports as a Tool for Social Development

'Sports should contribute to social development — generating employment, promoting tourism and providing constructive engagement for youth. Today, our athletes are not just participating; they are competing and winning,' Nuzhat Gull said. She added that the Council's mission extends beyond medals: 'Our mission is to create better sports infrastructure, empower youth, and build a brighter future for Jammu & Kashmir.'

Female participation has also seen a sustained push during her tenure, with increased visibility for women athletes and greater emphasis on safe and inclusive sporting environments across disciplines.

What Comes Next

With the NCOE now sanctioned, attention will turn to its operationalisation — site selection, faculty appointment, and the disciplines it will prioritise. Given J&K's established strength in winter sports and its growing footprint in combat sports and football, the centre's programme mix will be closely watched by sporting bodies and athletes across the territory.